Custom Tailoring and Dressmaking Commission Proposal

What a good one includes

• A detailed narrative of the garment's silhouette and aesthetic, paired with sketches, mood boards, or digital renderings to align your creative vision with the client's expectations.
• A precise list of recommended primary fabrics, linings, and notions, detailing their fiber content, drape, and sourcing origins.
• A clear timeline mapping out key stages of production, including measurements, toile or mockup fittings, fabric fittings, and the final collection date.
• A line-item breakdown of costs covering design time, pattern drafting, materials, labor hours, and any fitting or alteration fees.
• A concise summary of your studio's terms regarding deposit requirements, cancellation policies, fitting etiquette, and how design changes will impact the final cost.
• A section outlining what you need from the client, such as prompt communication, wearing specific undergarments to fittings, and maintaining their physical measurements during the process.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Providing a single flat rate without explaining the cost of labor, materials, and alterations makes clients hesitant and can lead to scope creep down the line.
• Failing to explicitly schedule and explain the purpose of a mock-up fitting can cause client anxiety when they do not see the final fabric right away.
• Proposing specific textiles before verifying their stock with suppliers can force you into awkward, budget-disrupting substitutions later in the process.
• Underestimating fitting timelines by forgetting to build in buffer time for unexpected body changes or scheduling conflicts often results in rushed work and stressful final deliveries.

Frequently asked questions